Invitation: Medical Missions Live

May 15, 2020 Guest User

Toxic Charity and Medical Missions: An Interview with Author Bob Lupton

Dear Ministry Partner,

The bestselling book Toxic Charity was first published in 2011. In the book, veteran urban activist Bob Lupton exposed the shockingly toxic effects that modern charity has upon the very people meant to benefit from it. While charity makes donors feel better, he argued, it often hurts those it seeks to help. Toxic Charity and its follow-up Charity Detox provide proven new models for churches and other charitable groups who want to help—not sabotage—those whom they desire to serve.

Dr. Robert Lupton is the founder of FCS Urban Ministries (Focused Community Strategies) in Atlanta, the voice of the Urban Perspectives newsletter, and the author of Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life, Toxic Charity and Charity Detox. He has been at the forefront of a strategic rethinking of how we serve for over 40 years.

Join us on Tuesday night, May 19, 2020, at 8 pm eastern / 7 pm central for an exciting conversation with Mr. Lupton and his insights on how we can improve our approach to missions. We will talk about international medical missions as well as what we can do right here in our own local programs.

Please have your questions ready for us. We look forward to joining you live online via Zoom or on Facebook Live on Tuesday night at 5 pm PDT/7 pm CDT/8 pm EDT. If you choose to view with Zoom you will need to pay attention to both the login and the password included for you below.

Blessings,

E. Andrew Mayo
President and CEO

When: Tuesday, May 19, 2020-7 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Toxic Charity and Medical Missions
Please click the link to join the webinar Tuesday night:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89662761741pwd=aURRSFdRVU0vWG9pa1d4L3ZUNXE0QT9
Password: 234358

Or Telephone:
Dial:
US: +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 288 607 687
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aeHcfPoEoD

The purpose of the Second Presbyterian Missions Committee is to provide support beyond the walls of the Church, meeting local, national and global organizations at their point of need and inviting them into a dynamic relationship with Christ. Our goal is to reach people at all ages and stages in their journey with Christ, both in the Church and with the organizations we support. We are a Medical Benevolence Foundation partner. Find out more about our missions organizations and activities here. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get updates about the work of our church and partners here.

Source: /missions

Help pregnant women and new moms

May 14, 2020 Guest User

MUSC's Psychiatric Unit has reached out offering ways to help under served pregnant women and new moms right here in Charleston. They are collecting donations for the women in our community to help with mental health care, child care and provide support for young child education.

Mental Health: For many women their health insurance will lapse 30-90 days postpartum or their health insurance does not include mental health benefits at all. We would like to offer ‘treatment grants’ to women for $1,000 to pay directly to support mental health treatment. A donation of any size will help with this goal!

Childcare: Women we serve have always had issues with needing childcare so that they can attend mental health appointments, and, as part of their overall care, needing childcare so that they can get a break and take care of themselves even for just a few hours to take a nap, shower, go for a walk, go to the grocery store, replete themselves so they are not irritable and frustrated with their kids/partners etc. These breaks are really important for their overall well-being and their ability to parent effectively. In the midst of the COVID-10 crisis, these issues are paramount as women are with their kids 24/7 and have no breaks and families are stressed in general and financially. Additionally there are women that are trying to work from home while having kids at home – which is incredibly stressful - or would return to work but are unable because they can’t pay for childcare unless they are working. If they could start working, they could then afford childcare. We would like to offer ‘childcare grants’ to support women in recovery from peripartum mental health problems as well as those that can return to work but need some additional help in doing so.

Funds for childcare

To attend mental health appointments (4 hours per week, at $15 per hour X 10 weeks =$600)
To replete themselves so they are better parents (8 hours per week, at $15 per hour X 10 weeks= $1,200)
Return to work part-time (20 hours per week, at $15 per hour X 10 weeks= $3,000)

Tutoring: A third area that would be really helpful during COVID-19 is to pay for virtual tutoring for kids. Kids are struggling academically and parents are having a hard time teaching. Having even a few sessions per week with a reading or math tutor could be really beneficial during this time. We would like to offer ‘tutoring grants’ to support the children of women in recovery from peripartum mental health problems.

Funds for tutors

3-5, 1 hour sessions per week for math tutoring (5 hours per week, at $20 per hour, for 8 weeks [rest of school year] = $1,200)
3-5, 1 hours sessions per week for reading tutoring (5 hours per week, at $20 per hour, for 8 weeks [rest of school year] = $1,200)

Donate diapers and other supplies via the unit’s Amazon registry here.

To support: call 843.792.0175 or email psych-events@musc.edu.

Scripture Speaks

May 8, 2020 Guest User

The sermon and children’s sermon are posted below. Scroll to the bottom for sermon notes.

Pastor Cress delivers a message for the week of May 10th.

Stay home, stay healthy and let’s flatten the curve! Sermon videos will be posted online for 10:30 a.m. on Sundays as we worship together from home.

give online

stay connected

Children’s sermon with Director of Christian Education Sarah Craven

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 10, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

In past years we would be looking forward to Seersucker Suit and Fancy Hat Sunday. Men, women and children would don their seersucker. We would savor Sunday Dinner in the park. Dozens of children cavorting, and familiar stories of this grand old church re-told for so many new ears that are here to be bent!

But here in The Spring of the Pandemic, we remain apart.

As we face these moments with no clear way forward, I believe scripture speaks.

The first line in the text of our Gospel this Sunday reveals Jesus seeking to comfort his friends even as in the next breath he reminds them he is leaving. What follows is a few men asking hard questions. Not mean, nor accusatory, but sincere and heartfelt.

We get to see Jesus, the rabbi, lover of their souls pass the baton. Really? Who else to continue the reclamation of the cosmos? Who else has seen up close the day to day, sunshine and the rain.

We are not the disciples of that day. We’ve read the book. It’s up to us to lean into God’s word.

An exasperated Jesus tells Philip, who has just asked Jesus to show him the Father, “If you can’t believe that I am in my Father and my Father is in me, then believe what you see – these works!”

Men and women, we have read of the works. We have seen modern miracles. We watch now as Christ’s love and Godly truth are the only agents that can penetrate these clouds. Do we have questions? Sure, and all are welcome.

The session and other leaders will meet this coming week. We have been speaking with colleagues and friends, gathering recommendation from agencies and our insurers, and we will prayerfully make plans that will be tempered as we go forward towards gathering and maybe someday sharing a hug?

Let’s continue to care for each other and God’s people (everyone) as we navigate these waters together!

Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

CLICK HERE TO LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE SPECIFIC WAYS WE CAN BE IN PRAYER FOR OR OF SERVICE TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME.

This Sunday, May 10th, our congregation will join other Presbyterian churches throughout South Carolina in the Mother's Day Offering in support of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina. The mission of PCSC is simply this: "We are a compassionat… — This Sunday, May 10th, our congregation will join other Presbyterian churches throughout South Carolina in the Mother's Day Offering in support of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina. The mission of PCSC is simply this: *"We are a compassionate Christian ministry dedicated to enriching the quality of life for seniors of all faiths."*
This offering stands as a witness that Presbyterian churches and their members are not content merely with founding Presbyterian Communities. Rather, they continue to embrace this ministry to older adults as their own and witness to God's love for its residents.
On Mother's Day, our congregation will continue this tradition of caring through the Mother's Day Offering. Please give generously. Your gift directly touches the lives of those needing financial assistance, assuring them that they can continue to call Presbyterian Communities " home."

In consultation with the Stated Clerk of Presbytery and in light of the current mandated guidelines, we are unable to hold a congregational meeting at this time. The Session has set the Congregational Meeting for May 31st.

The bell tower was struck by lightning the afternoon of Sunday, April 19, 2020. The Steeple Fund campaign for the current renovation continues and, considering the damage from the fire, the need to raise money is now even greater. Help us bring the… — The bell tower was struck by lightning the afternoon of Sunday, April 19, 2020. The Steeple Fund campaign for the current renovation continues and, considering the damage from the fire, the need to raise money is now even greater.

Help us bring the Second Church tower back to its former glory, so it can continue to be a beacon for Charleston. Donate today to the Steeple Fund.

**Bell tower progress updates (and lots of photos) can be found here.**

MUSC's Psychiatry Unit has reached out offering ways to help patients feel less isolated. Because of all of the extra measures we have had to take to ensure our patients stay safe with this pandemic, that means many of them are not able to receive a… — **MUSC's Psychiatry Unit has reached out offering ways to help patients feel less isolated.**
Because of all of the extra measures we have had to take to ensure our patients stay safe with this pandemic, that means many of them are not able to receive any visitors at all, and now they feel more isolated than ever.
***Would you be willing to send something to a patient?*** *Something small like a word puzzle book, cards, coloring book, or even a teddy bear can go a long way to just simply let them know someone out there is thinking about them.*
**Simply send something via their** **Amazon Registry**.
If you would prefer to send us something directly, please send to:
MUSC Institute of Psychiatry, Jessica Carter
67 President St MSC 861
Charleston, SC 29425

Source: sermons

Good Shepherd Sunday

May 1, 2020 Guest User

This is a communion service, so please prepare bread or crackers and juice or wine so that you are ready to take part in communion.

The sermon and children’s sermon are both posted below. Scroll to the bottom for sermon notes.

Pastor Cress delivers a message for the week of May 3, 2020.

Stay home, stay healthy and let’s flatten the curve! Sermon videos will be posted online for 10:30 a.m. on Sundays as we worship together from home.

give online

stay connected

Children's sermon with Sarah Craven

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, May 3, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

The 23rd Psalm is a perennial favorite. Why? I don’t think we necessarily need a reason, but, of course, there are many. So I looked into it – did some exegesis, some study, of the Psalms. They are a collection of lyrics – songs to be sung in the sundry moments of life, sung in sorrow, sung in anger, sung in despair, sung in praise and sung in worship.

But here’s something unusual: the vast majority of the time we prefer more modern translations of the Bible, and yet we cling to a 400 year old translation of Psalm 23. Why is this? One commentator posed the question this way: Could it be that elevated language, words with some lineage and dignity, are appropriate to the grandeur, the majesty, the immeasurable grace of God who is indeed our shepherd?

I know that’s a big part of it, but I also know there are nuances to the Psalm we’ve missed. So let’s take a deep breath and lean back, lean into something nurturing, comforting, familiar in these times of surprise and disruption. And remember this: “I shall not want.”

It's communion this Sunday. Tune in and be fed.

Best love in Christ –

Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

CLICK HERE TO LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE SPECIFIC WAYS WE CAN BE IN PRAYER FOR OR OF SERVICE TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME.

On Sunday May 10th, our congregation will join other Presbyterian churches throughout South Carolina in the Mother's Day Offering in support of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina. The mission of PCSC is simply this: "We are a compassionate C… — On Sunday May 10th, our congregation will join other Presbyterian churches throughout South Carolina in the Mother's Day Offering in support of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina. The mission of PCSC is simply this: *"We are a compassionate Christian ministry dedicated to enriching the quality of life for seniors of all faiths."*
This offering stands as a witness that Presbyterian churches and their members are not content merely with founding Presbyterian Communities. Rather, they continue to embrace this ministry to older adults as their own and witness to God's love for its residents.
On Mother's Day, our congregation will continue this tradition of caring through the Mother's Day Offering. Please give generously. Your gift directly touches the lives of those needing financial assistance, assuring them that they can continue to call Presbyterian Communities " home."

We are praying for Puerto Rico as they face yet another 5.0 earthquake and a number of significant aftershocks.

Presbyteries Disaster Assistance is already in contact with the leadership of the Southwest Presbytery and has offered assistance.

The bell tower was struck by lightning the afternoon of Sunday, April 19. The Steeple Fund campaign for the current renovation continues and, considering the damage from the fire, the need to raise money is now even greater. Help us bring the Secon… — The bell tower was struck by lightning the afternoon of Sunday, April 19. The Steeple Fund campaign for the current renovation continues and, considering the damage from the fire, the need to raise money is now even greater.

Help us bring the Second Church tower back to its former glory, so it can continue to be a beacon for Charleston. Donate today to the Steeple Fund.

**Bell tower progress updates (and lots of photos) can be found here.**

A benefit telethon with iconic local and national artists on May 8 will raise funds for Homeless to Hope Fund to impact lowcountry area homeless. More here → — A benefit telethon with iconic local and national artists on May 8 will raise funds for Homeless to Hope Fund to impact lowcountry area homeless.
More here →

Source: sermons

Homeless to Hope Benefit Telethon

April 30, 2020 Guest User

A benefit telethon with iconic local and national artists on May 8 will raise funds for Homeless to Hope Fund to impact lowcountry area homeless.

The Homeless to Hope Fund was founded in 2016 to assist homeless individuals and families in their transition to permanent housing through a network of service providers in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and North Charleston. The fund helps cover certain financial expenses that could be obstacles to securing housing. Additional funding supports the Navigation Center, Charleston’s only day resource center to provide support and resources for people currently living unsheltered.

The Mayors’ Commission on Homelessness and Affordable Housing established the Homeless to Hope Benefit Concert to provide annual community support for the Homeless to Hope Fund. Because this year’s concert is not possible due to coronavirus containment efforts, the event will be held as a multi-media virtual telethon to raise funds and awareness to enable more people to transition into housing during this critical time.

To donate to the Homeless to Hope Fund, please contribute online at homelesstohopefund.org/donate or text H2HOPE to 44-321. MORE INFO: Visit the Homeless to Hope Fund website at homelesstohopefund.org and spread the news socially by visiting our Facebook page at facebook.com/HomelessToHopeFund or the Facebook Event Page: facebook.com/events/2084835638329262.

Mother's Day Offering

April 29, 2020 Guest User

On Sunday May 10th, our congregation will join other Presbyterian churches throughout South Carolina in the Mother's Day Offering in support of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina. The mission of PCSC is simply this: "We are a compassionate Christian ministry dedicated to enriching the quality of life for seniors of all faiths.”

give here

More than six decades ago, Presbyterian churches in South Carolina responded to the need of its older members for retirement living by opening the Presbyterian Home in Summerville. Today, Presbyterian Communities operates six retirement communities across the state that more than 950 seniors call "home."

Living at a Presbyterian Community, residents find fellowship, intellectual stimulation, opportunities for physical fitness, and spiritual growth. They also find a caring staff that provides assistance when health needs arise.

It is inevitable that, after years of living with Presbyterian Communities, some residents will find their financial resources dwindling. What happens then? Thankfully, the Presbyterian churches in this state continue to stand by those residents.

One of the most visible and important ways we do this is through the the Mother's Day Offering. Collected each year, this offering is used solely to provide charitable care to those who have outlived their life's savings.

This offering stands as a witness that Presbyterian churches and their members are not content merely with founding Presbyterian Communities. Rather, they continue to embrace this ministry to older adults as their own and witness to God's love for its residents.

On Mother's Day, May 10th, our congregation will continue this tradition of caring through the Mother's Day Offering. Please give generously. Your gift directly touches the lives of those needing financial assistance, assuring them that they can continue to call Presbyterian Communities " home."

What a week!

April 24, 2020 Guest User

The sermon and children’s sermon are now both posted below. Scroll to the bottom for sermon notes.

Pastor Cress Darwin delivers a message for the week of April 26, 2020.

Stay home, stay healthy and let’s flatten the curve! Sermon videos will be posted online for 10:30 a.m. on Sundays as we worship together from home.

give online

stay connected

Children’s sermon with Sarah Craven

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 26, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

What a week! Lightning strikes the Bell Tower, the death rate from the coronavirus tops 50,000 in our country, Charleston was pummeled with 5 inches of rain last night and electricity was just reconnected to the church campus five days after the lightning strike. And yet…yes, Sunday’s comin’:)

What curious times we live in.

Our text this Sunday has the elements of a great tragedy. Plot and character are the two most important elements, according to Aristotle. What could be more compelling than a small town carpenter’s seemingly illegitimate son claiming divinity, wrenching ‘disciples’ from their homes and family obligations; offering redemption and restoration to an oppressed and cowered people; surrendering to arrest, torture, humiliation and execution, only to rise! And to encounter, incognito, two heart-crushed devotees heading home in utter defeat, reporting the sad tale, “…but we had hoped.” (Luke 24:13-35).

Remember, dear friends, we’ve read the end of the book. But for those who could not, or who have not read the Bible, can we find hope as well in this scripture for our inspiration these days?

Answer: Yes!

Let’s gather again online this Sunday at 10:30. We’ll discover together God’s revealed message for this day, for these days, of natural assault and confusing rhetoric. We’ll be reminded that the God who lives is our paraclete, our advocate, our inspiration and companion on the road back to Emmaus- back to work, or back to home-tutoring 3rd grade math.

With great anticipation in these challenging days –

Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

CLICK HERE TO LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE SPECIFIC WAYS WE CAN BE IN PRAYER FOR OR OF SERVICE TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME.

Source: sermons

Steeple Project

April 24, 2020 Guest User

Second Presbyterian Church is the PC(USA) "Historical Site #1," the designated oldest recognized Presbyterian building in America! But this church is not a monument, it's a mission. We are a congregation known for its friendliness and its heart for service to ALL God's people. We are committed to serving our still-creating God in ways that are yet to be imagined! We hope you feel called to contribute toward the preservation of Second Presbyterian Church and the many ways in which God is working through this particular place.

Be a part of the legacy of Second Presbyterian and GIVE TODAY. Contribute toward the fund via the GIVE button above (choose Bell Tower Steeple Fund from the drop down ‘fund’ options), in the offering plate, or deliver your donations to the church office.

As of November 12, 2019, there was $68,525 pledged toward The Steeple Fund, at which time estimates were submitted and work to repaint the bell tower began in February 2020. Cleaning revealed that, in some areas, the old stucco has de-laminated from the bricks underneath. While there is no safety issue, this loose stucco does need to be removed and replaced. A lightning strike caused a fire in the top of the bell tower April 19, 2020, the full scope of which is still being assessed.

The Steeple Fund campaign for the current renovation continues and, considering the damage from the fire, the need to raise money is now even greater. Help us bring the Second Church tower back to its former glory, so it can continue to be a beacon for Charleston.

Check on the progress of the Steeple Project here.

give now

Source: /give

Help MUSC Psychiatric patients feel less isolated

April 23, 2020 Guest User

MUSC's Psychiatry Unit has reached out offering ways to help patients feel less isolated.

Because of all of the extra measures to ensure that patients stay safe with this pandemic, many of them are not able to receive any visitors at all and now they feel more isolated than ever.

Would you be willing to send something to a patient? Something small like a word puzzle book, cards, coloring book, or even a teddy bear can go a long way to just simply let them know someone out there is thinking about them.

Simply send something via their Amazon Registry.
If you would prefer to send us something directly, please send to:
MUSC Institute of Psychiatry, Jessica Carter
67 President St MSC 861
Charleston, SC 29425

Lightning strike and fire in the bell tower

April 20, 2020 Guest User

Dear Second Family -

Here’s the news. There was a lightning strike on the tip-top of the bell tower yesterday afternoon. The fire department and the police were right there. Luckily the damage was confined to the top of the tower. There was no damage to the sanctuary and no one injured. Praise God!

This is another moment in the history of our grand church from which we will emerge stronger to witness to and serve our God. Today we begin the task of assessing the damage. Thank you to so many who have texted, called, emailed or stopped by offering help. We will keep you aware of the challenges we face. Let’s stay close, in prayer and with gratitude -

Best love in Christ -

The bell tower is currently being restored. Progress updates (and lots of photos) can be found here.

donate to the steeple fund

Our Facebook page is updated often! Find us on Facebook as "Second Pres Charleston" and make sure you 'Like' and choose 'See First' under 'Following' to be alerted with church information.

Octave of Easter message

April 16, 2020 Guest User

This Sunday we continue in the Gospel of John and discover much more about the disciple Thomas than we may have known. In the ‘safe house’ to which the disciples have retreated, we witness a cowardly crew come to believe. We witness hearts surrendered and a man’s doubt transformed.

Powerful! Invite someone to watch with you – at a safe distance, of course.

The sermon and children’s sermon are posted below.

Pastor Cress Darwin delivers a message for the week of April 19, 2020.

Stay home, stay healthy and let’s flatten the curve! Sermon videos will be posted online for 10:30 a.m. on Sundays as we worship together from home.

give online

stay connected

Children’s sermon with Sarah Craven .

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 19, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

I’m missing you, especially last evening around 5:00, for some reason. The day was gray and cooler than it has been in a while. The buildings here on the Second Presbyterian campus are empty. The pivot to recovery is unknown.

Our work, both individually and together, continues. But words of encouragement can become annoying in their repetition.

I know this is not forever. (I say this and the next phrase to bubble up in my brain is: ‘I know my redeemer liveth!’ Thank you, Jesus)

We will get through this best together. Yes - stronger, quicker, better together! (Yeah, yeah, yeah.)

Even as we deny ourselves and are denied the embrace we so long for – for the right reasons, out of prudence and love – in moments of grief, confusion, accomplishment, perseverance; a hug would be nice.

In these moments my gratitude for you, for my family, for the work we get to do and which will be revealed – gratitude wells inside me that we are in fact, in truth and in reality, not a people ‘without hope’.

Our hope is, was, and shall be, in the one who is raised. The one who breathed fresh breath of the Spirit into his disheartened disciples – Jesus, the Christ.

So, I feel better. I pray God’s peace and God’s strength for us all.

In (yes) anticipation –

Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation and the Corporation of the Second Presbyterian Church will be held Sunday, April 26th at 11:15 a.m. online to elect the Elder Class of 2021 & Class of 2023, the Deacon Class of 2023, and the Nominating Team… — The Annual Meeting of the Congregation and the Corporation of the Second Presbyterian Church will be held Sunday, April 26th at 11:15 a.m. online to elect the Elder Class of 2021 & Class of 2023, the Deacon Class of 2023, and the Nominating Team members for 2022-2023. Online invitation to follow.

For over 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided Presbyterians a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need around the world. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyt… — For over 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided Presbyterians a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need around the world.

The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.

***It's not too late to contribute to the good work funded by One Great Hour of Sharing!*** ***Give online*** ***now or mail a check marked 'OGHS' to the church.***

Source: sermons

Easter Sunday Festival Service Online

April 12, 2020 Guest User

Stripped of traditions and rituals, this Easter service may remind us that the promise at the heart of the gospel is that God is both with us and for us at all times and through all conditions. In sorrow or joy triumph of tragedy, in gain our loss, in peace or fear, in scarcity or plenty, in sickness or in health. God is present. And because of Christ’s love, all harsh realities of this life do not have the last word. God’s light is more powerful than darkness. God’s love is stronger than hate. God prevails over all things- even death. So this day, even this day, we may rejoice because Christ is risen!

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

The sermon and children’s sermon videos are posted below.

Pastor Cress Darwin delivers a message for Easter Sunday 2020.

Stay home, stay healthy and let’s flatten the curve! Sermon videos will be posted online for 10:30 a.m. on Sundays as we worship together from home.

give online

HOLY WEEK AT HOME

Sarah Craven delivers a children’s message for Easter Sunday 2020.

SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 12, 2020

Dr. Bill Brown of Columbia Seminary sent a lovely commentary on these times – “The Life-giving Emptiness of Easter.” The truth is that the narrative we celebrate today, and on which we hang our very lives, “began with an ‘empty tomb’ and three fearful women – a tomb emptied of death.”

Brown reminds us that we’ve shuttered our sacred spaces “not in despair, but in testimony that lives are being saved in doing so.”

We are not abandoning the gospel, but bearing witness to the fact that Christ is not constricted nor contained within the walls, but lives in the hearts of believers. And Christ calls us to join him in meeting folks where they are.

In Christ -

CLICK HERE TO LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE SPECIFIC WAYS WE CAN BE IN PRAYER FOR OR OF SERVICE TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME.

Source: sermons

Holy Week: Easter Saturday

April 11, 2020 Guest User

HOLY WEEK AT HOME

In an act of faith and solidarity, we are called to spend Holy Week without the usual presence of one another. Each day throughout this week, though, we can continue to come together in spirit with these daily devotionals as we are called to gather, reflect, pray, and act.As always, reach out! To each other, to your neighbors and friends. Gather your family around the table for a time of reflection or join with others on FaceTime or Zoom to do the same. Allow this experience to transform you in Christ and embolden you to express the love of God in new ways in this new time. While we are, in fact, all in this together, we specifically come together in manifest spirit to gather, reflect, pray, and act, as led by Christ.

GATHER

Have a member of your household lead or, if alone, read it as a silent meditation. If you connect via social media, have two or three people share the reading.

LEADER: The season of Lent can be barren and lonely,

ALL: but God goes with us through the wild wilderness.

LEADER: Our lives are lived in seasons of transitions and transformations.

ALL: Lent is a time to ponder God's providence and persistence.

LEADER: Together, we seek fruitfulness, for it has been promised to us;

ALL: the barrenness of Lent will give way to the fruitfulness of Easter.

LEADER: In this season of penitence and pondering, let us gather before God.

ALL: We come, as a family, to wait for the Lord with strength and courage.

inspired by Luke 13:6-9

REFLECT

Read the scripture below as a silent meditation, have a member of your household read aloud, or have two or three people share the reading.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:37-40 NIV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19 ESV

PRAY

Holy Saturday has always been a strange day for me. The Messiah is in the grave, those who were closest to him where scattered, scared, and hiding. We know the ending, but they were stuck in the pain, in the darkness. Nowadays, however, in America, many community Easter egg hunts are held without much time and thought given to the actual day. I’m not saying we are doing it wrong, I’m just observing, but I can’t help but look at the similarities of this particular day and that first Holy Saturday. We are separated, many of us are scared and we don’t know the future. But, in fact, we do! The amazing thing about being a Christian is we know what is ahead. We know the ending.

Through scripture we are told that the narrow road is hard, there will be trials and tribulation… there is sickness, pain and hardship for those who follow. But then, we know that the King is to come again. We know the ending because it is written. John tells us, "But these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” We read the book of Revelation and we know that our King is returning to take back the earth, to bring life and to crush death. We know that there is another Easter morning coming, we don’t need to be afraid because we walk with Christ.

So, as we observe another Holy Saturday, let us rejoice that we are not in the darkness, we know all the joy that is to come!!

Let us pray for those who do not know Jesus; those who are living in fear and don’t know the saving grace that is offered through Christ. Pray for those who are separated, scared and feel as though they are without hope. Pray that we all might be lights in the world, light that can shine into the hurt, into the pain, into the darkness.

ACT

Consider these ideas to extend acts of service, mercy, or grace to those around you and for your own well-being.

Find rays of hope in your days. It's not healthy to force yourself to feel happy or ignore difficult feelings and it's okay to feel a whole host of emotions, and Jesus meets you there. But, you can practice gratitude and find comfort by focusing on the good. We can go about our days, good or bad, with gratitude for the moments of beauty and comfort and light that can serve as a reminder that the sad times, the lonely days, the dark moments are a part of a cycle and there will be relief soon. Today is Easter Saturday, but Sunday's coming.
Join us for online church in the morning to celebrate Easter Sunday together at 10:30 a.m. Whether you choose to show up to watch in your Sunday best or your pajamas, find joy in it! We are glad we get to come together in spirit with you to celebrate the great joy and hope of Easter Sunday.
Enjoy the Virtual Easter Egg Hunt this afternoon by searching #onebasket2020 on Facebook or Instagram.

Holy Week: Silence

April 10, 2020 Guest User

HOLY WEEK AT HOME

In an act of faith and solidarity, we are called to spend Holy Week without the usual presence of one another. Each day throughout this week, though, we can continue to come together in spirit with these daily devotionals as we are called to gather, reflect, pray, and act.As always, reach out! To each other, to your neighbors and friends. Gather your family around the table for a time of reflection or join with others on FaceTime or Zoom to do the same. Allow this experience to transform you in Christ and embolden you to express the love of God in new ways in this new time. While we are, in fact, all in this together, we specifically come together in manifest spirit to gather, reflect, pray, and act, as led by Christ.

GATHER

Have a member of your household lead or, if alone, read it as a silent meditation. If you connect via social media, have two or three people share the reading.

LEADER: On this day we gather to remember Jesus our Savior who loved us and gave himself for us. Let us draw near in full assurance of God's endless love and mercy.

ALL: We give our thanks and praise to Jesus Christ who carries our sorrows, heals our wounds, and redeems us from sin and death.

written by Marlene Kropf, in Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross: Good Friday Service

REFLECT

Read the scripture below as a silent meditation, have a member of your household read aloud, or have two or three people share the reading.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:6 NIV

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Romans 8:26 NIV

PRAY

Silence. There is so little of it in these times. Children have been raised with so much noise around them that many feel more comfortable with music playing while they study because they can’t handle the quiet. We have added more and more noise and distraction into our lives that when we are placed in silence we tend to become uncomfortable.

I often think of Jesus during his 40 days in the desert. As a mom, the thought of 40 days of silence sounds miraculous, but could I really be silent? We all have things in our lives that pull at us and keep us from any form of silence. But, in reality, if we take more than a few minutes of silence, we start to stress and get anxious, left wandering through our thoughts certain that there must be something more that we have to get done.

Throughout scripture we are called to become silent in the presence of our God. It’s in the silence that we can really hear, can really sense, can really connect with our God. Scripture even tells us that if we are unable to pray in that silence the Holy Spirit will intercede in our prayers for us.

I think of Daniel, praying every day in secret. I think of Esther who was forced to keep her religion hidden and silent. And I think of Jesus who begged his disciples to be quiet and pray in the garden with Him. In the silence, in the still, we can connect on a deeper level than we could ever imagine

Pray that the Lord brings times of silence today. Time to reflect on the immeasurable sacrifice He made on the cross. And when we receive those times of silence may we stop, may we listen, and may we endure the silence for something more. Our world has had to slow down, take this time to slow down too. Press into the Lord. Pray for his path, His wisdom, His grace. Pray that you will be uplifted throughout this time and that silence may become more sacred to you.

ACT

Consider these ideas to extend acts of service, mercy, or grace to those around you and for your own well-being.

Are you slowing down enough to allow for growth and transformation? Make a time for meditation each day. Start with a deep breath.
Join us for the virtual Good Friday Tenebrae service tonight at 7:00 p.m. This somber Good Friday service is characterized by gradually diminishing light to symbolize the darkness of Jesus' death and the hopelessness in a world without God.
Gather seven candles today so that you can take part in the dimming light of the service this evening by extinguishing a candle at the end of each prayer.
Tag your #onebasket2020 photos for the Virtual Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow. Re-read the Easter story then post a picture that includes an Easter egg along with what Easter means to you and the hashtag. Tag #2ndpc too or email your picture to Jordyn to be included in the hunt.
NOTE: Make sure we can see your posts! An individual Facebook posts can be set to public. On Instagram, your account must be public for us to see your photo. And, as always, use discretion on social media and supervise your children as you would with any other time on the internet.

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